Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

pseudoephedrine

American  
[soo-doh-i-fed-rin, -ef-i-dreen, -drin] / ˌsu doʊ ɪˈfɛd rɪn, -ˈɛf ɪˌdrin, -drɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.
  1. a dextrorotatory, isomeric compound, C 1 0 H 1 5 NO, used as a nasal decongestant.


pseudoephedrine British  
/ ˌsjuːdəʊˈɛfɪˌdriːn, -ˌdrɪn /

noun

  1. a drug similar in action to ephedrine, used extensively as a decongestant

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pseudoephedrine

pseudo- + ephedrine

Compare meaning

How does pseudoephedrine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ones containing pseudoephedrine are being reviewed because they may cause vessels supplying the brain to contract or spasm, reducing blood flow.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2023

Oral decongestants such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can also raise blood pressure.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 8, 2021

That’s the only place I can think of where pineapple exposure might coincide with cough syrup old enough to still contain pseudoephedrine.

From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2021

Be cautious with: Products that contain the decongestants phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine, such as certain OTC multisymptom cold and cough remedies.

From Washington Post • Aug. 6, 2021

One proposal would end local rules requiring a prescription to get the allergy medication pseudoephedrine.

From Washington Times • May 15, 2020